How much does a Wood machine operator make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Wood machine operator

Wood machine operator

33 000 kr

Machine carpenters and machine operators, wood industry

32 200 - 33 800 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Wood machine operator

Average salary 33 000 kr
Males 33 100 kr
Females 32 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 11 Vacant jobs ->

What does a wood machine operator do? – Tasks and work environment

A wood machine operator primarily works within the wood industry and is responsible for handling and monitoring machines that process wood into various products. Typical tasks include setting up, maintaining, and overseeing machines for sawing, planing, milling, and grinding wood. It is common to work with both automated and manual machines, and the work environment is often characterized by noise, dust, and precision requirements. Safety procedures are central, as machines can be potentially dangerous if handled improperly. Working hours can vary, with shift work common, especially in larger production facilities.

Salary development over time

The salary for wood machine operators has steadily increased in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,100 SEK per month. During 2023, the average rose slightly to 32 900 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 5.8%. For 2024, the salary has continued to increase marginally and is now at 33 000 SEK per month. This development reflects a stable demand within the wood industry, where the need for technically skilled machine operators remains. However, wage growth has plateaued compared to previous years, possibly due to a more balanced competitive situation and a relatively constant supply of labor within the profession.

Wood machine operator salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 33 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (female), 32,700 SEK/month (male)
  • Highest salary: 33,600 SEK/month (female), 33,800 SEK/month (male)
  • Hourly wage (average): 198 SEK
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 97% of men's salary (women: 32,200 SEK, men: 33 100 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Limited data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a wood machine operator, a high school education in industrial technology or wood technology is usually required, with machine carpentry being a common specialization. Many employers also value practical experience in the wood industry and technical understanding of machinery. Further training through courses and certifications can provide advantages during employment, especially in more advanced machine environments.

  • Formal education: High school in industrial technology or wood technology (3 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in machine safety and handling
  • Internships: Internships during education are common and often required
  • Prerequisites: Technical interest and some physical endurance
  • Tips: Extra internships or work as a machine operator can increase chances of employment

Many wood machine operators develop an impressive sense of the properties of wood and can quickly determine how different types of wood should be processed for the best results. This tactile sensitivity is highly valued in the industry and contributes to both quality and efficiency in production.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Wood machine operators often receive benefits such as shift premium pay, wellness allowances, and work clothing. Some employers also offer subsidized lunches or meal allowances, as well as opportunities for further training within the company. Occupational pensions and insurance are common elements in collective agreements for the profession.

Competition and challenges

Competition for jobs as a wood machine operator varies depending on region and economic conditions. In areas with a strong wood industry, there are often several available positions, while competition may be higher in regions where the industry is less established. A challenge is the technological development, which requires continuous updating of skills related to new machines and methods. Physical strain and monotonous tasks can also be demanding, and safety considerations must never be overlooked. A shortage of experienced personnel means employers sometimes have difficulty finding the right skills, which can benefit those with appropriate training and dedication.

Tips for those who want to become a wood machine operator

To succeed as a wood machine operator, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in technology and machinery, which facilitates understanding machine functions and maintenance. Precision is crucial, as small mistakes can lead to production stoppages or quality issues, so training attention to detail is advantageous. Good teamwork skills are needed since the work is often performed in teams, and effective communication with colleagues and management facilitates problem-solving. Physical endurance is also important, as the work can be monotonous and physically demanding. Being curious and willing to learn new methods or machines provides better career opportunities, while a safety-conscious approach protects both yourself and your colleagues.

Key facts about Wood Machine Operators

  • Educational level: High school in wood technology or industrial technology
  • Work environment: Production environment with high safety focus
  • Common work form: Shift work is often required
  • Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession
  • Special skills: Machine handling and material knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a wood machine operator, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, production technician, or quality manager within the wood industry. Some choose to further their education in mechanical engineering or automation to work with more advanced machinery systems. The Swedish Public Employment Service's statistics show a good availability of jobs within the profession, although no precise forecast is provided for wood machine operators due to limited data. The technological development within the wood industry suggests that demand for skilled machine operators will persist, especially for those willing to learn new technologies and methods.

Common questions about wood machine operators

  • What is the average salary of a wood machine operator?
    - The average salary is 33 000 SEK per month.
  • What are the gender differences in salary?
    - Women earn approximately 97% of what men do in the profession.
  • What education is required to become a wood machine operator?
    - High school education in wood technology or industrial technology is most common.
  • Are there opportunities for career development?
    - Yes, it is possible to advance to supervisory roles or pursue further technical education.
  • What does the job market look like?
    - There are 1437 available jobs within the profession according to the latest data.
  • What are the common tasks?
    - Setting up, monitoring, and maintaining wood processing machines as well as quality control.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Regional differences exist, but detailed statistics are lacking.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-11 01:43:29

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Wood machine operator is 33800 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors with a pre-secondary education, 9 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 33600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Wood machine operator is 32200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 32700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 29500 kr 31400 kr
25-34 31300 kr 32600 kr
35-44 31700 kr 32600 kr
45-54 32300 kr 33300 kr
55-64 99% 32700 kr 33900 kr
Snitt 97% 31900 kr 33000 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Wood machine operator has the SSYK code 7523, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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